Recording artist Stevie Wonder gave a free performance Monday morning at the Armory Mall in Washington, D.C., the first stop on a three-city mini-tour to promote the remaining dates on his “Songs in the Key of Life Performance” tour.
Mr. Wonder, 65, performed a short set list interspersed with answering questions and pontificating on contemporary America.
“I’ve decided to do 20 more shows in the U.S.,” Mr. Wonder said, including a stop at the District’s Verizon Center on Oct. 3. “Then that’s the last time I’ll [tour] in the States.
“For me the world is in need of more love than ever before,” the singer added, “and the most important thing, as far as I’m concerned, [is] I’m concerned I don’t feel enough leaders [are] talking about fixing the heart of humankind.”
Mr. Wonder went on to decry gun violence and the need to seek solutions to the ongoing issue. He made mention of his “Claim the Bullet” campaign to curb gun violence.
He also took time to praise former President Jimmy Carter, who announced last week he was battling an aggressive cancer.
“One president took him commitment to God and to help every single man,” Mr. Wonder said of the ex-president, 90.
Free water and donuts were handed out to concertgoers for the unannounced hourlong performance and Q&A. The gathered included community residents as well as curious servicemen and -women from the Armory.
Mr. Wonder also brought up onstage his two very young children to say hello to the audience. Mr. Wonder collectively has nine children and is also a grandfather.
Never one to rest for long, Mr. Wonder will perform two other “surprise” shows later today in Philadelphia and New York to continue promoting the tour.
Tickets for Mr. Wonder’s Oct. 3 show at Verizon Center go on sale Friday.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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